skip navigation
Home High School Baseball Leagues/Teams Training Links Board Sponsors Contact

Mighty Mites

Please login to access the requested page

Shakopee League Mighty Mite Teams

 
(Grade 2 - Cap and T-shirt "jersey" provided with registration fee)
4/27/10
 If parents have concerns that these rules are not being followed, they should communicate with the coach first. If not satisfied with the coach's response, then they should contact Chet Meyer (In House Coordinator at cjmeyer@comcast.net).
  • Mighty Mites will start in early May with three practices prior to the first game; the third practice may be used as a partial scrimmage if coaches choose to do so. There is a practice on June 21 to prepare for any rule advancements and to “regroup” . . . work on any team weaknesses.
  • Basic infield, outfield, hitting, throwing, pitching, catching, and base-running fundamentals are stressed in pre-game practices and games. Players should arrive at 6:00 sharp for a 45-minute practice prior to the actual game (practice time will be cut to 30-minutes after June 21, allowing for a 1:30 game. Each team will have 20 minutes (15 after June 21) on the infield prior to the game (home team first, then visitors). Games are as many innings as can be played prior to 8:00 – don’t start an inning after 8:00 but you may complete an inning – encourage players to HUSTLE between innings for maximum playing time. 
  • During games prior to June 21, one coach should be in the field with his team instructing his players and helping to ump the bases, if no ump is available. Starting June 23, coaches should coach from the bench and coaching boxes – instructing players throughout the game. Coaches may stop the game for instructional purposes, if and when necessary – especially early in the season to explain rules/situations, etc. 
  • Game scores are not kept - have fun and strive for individual and team improvement each game!
  • Bases are 60 feet. Pitching rubber is approximately 44 feet.
  • Regular baseballs are used
  • 2 ¼” barrel bats only
  • No metal cleats
  • Coaches pitch (overhand) to their own team; kids pitch/coaches finish starting June 23 – practice pitching prior to this during your practices and at home!
  • 10 players play defense at a time (4 OF, 4 IF, P - defense only, and C). If less than 10 players are available, eliminate outfield positions. No player should sit out defensively for more than one inning in a row (equal playing time).
  • Coaches are responsible for rotating players' defensive positions (open substituting) and batting order (keep the same order for the game). Coaches should insure that all players play one infield and outfield position per game, if possible. It is recommended that players do not rotate defensively every inning, so they can better grasp the concept of each position (two positions per game works well). Coaches should be sure that all players play infield and outfield equally (this means that if a player cannot catch the ball at 1B, he does not have to play 1B = safety first – but still should be allowed an equal chance/time to play other infield positions).
  • The batting order is continuous through the entire team through the entire season (regardless of whether playing defense in the inning). Establish one batting order for the beginning of the season. Example, if batter # 6 is the last batter of the game, batter # 7 leads off the next game. A new lineup may be established the week of June 23 but follow the same format for the remainder of the season.
  • Three outs per inning (coaches determine safe/out); however, teams may only bat through the batting order one time per inning, no matter how many players they have.
  • Maximum hittable pitches per batter are seven. If a player does not make contact in seven hittable pitches, an out is not recorded for the team, but the next batter in the order comes to bat. Please keep the game moving by adhering to this rule.
  • No bunting, leading off, stealing, or advancing on any overthrows/passed balls.
  • Sliding to all bases when there is a play at that base is encouraged (except first - run through it!).
  • No infield fly rule (play it live).
  • Base-runners must stop their advancement of the next base once the ball is in the infield, including the last batter of the inning – teach sound fundamentals.
  • Advanced Play: Starting June 23, players pitch (coaches finish pitching after four balls to a batter or a batter is hit by a pitch).
    • Pitchers should warm up between innings so they are ready to pitch.
    • Coaches ump and pitch to their own teams when needed. Be fair and have fun! Pitch to make the hitters better = similar or a bit faster speed than the players who pitch.
    • Three strikes on a batter is now an out but still no walks. (These two rules apply whether a player or coach is pitching.)
    • All players should get an equal chance to pitch during the season. Encourage all to pitch!
    • Players should practice pitching at home between games and leading up to June 23!

Chet Meyer

Mighty Mites Coordinator